BENIN
Protected Area
Skerries Bank and Surrounds
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BENIN offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Benin lies deep off the Cornish coast, a challenging but rewarding dive for those comfortable with technical depths. Sunk in 1881 after a collision, this 86.6-meter steamship sits upright at 56 meters, remarkably intact given its age. We’ve found her bow section particularly impressive, with anchor chains still draped, and the stern offering intriguing penetration opportunities into what would have been cargo holds. Visibility can swing, but on a good day, the structure emerges from the gloom, colonised by thick plumose anemones and often patrolled by large conger eels. Definitely one for the wreck hounds with the right training and gas mixes.
Typical BENIN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 56m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for BENIN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BENIN
BENIN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BENIN, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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